Selvage loop forming means for looms



Dec. 2, 1947.

S. W. ALDERFER SELVAGE LOOP FORMING MEANS FOR LOOMS Filed Feb. 3, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ETERLINE W fiLDE'RFER ATTdRNEYa Dec. 2, 1947. I s, w, LD 2,431,978

SELVAGE LOOP FORMING MEANS Foli Looms F' iled Feb.- s, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR STERLING WHLDERFE ATTORNEYS Decs. w. ALDERFER 3 SELVAGE LOOP'FORMING MEANS FOR LOOMS Filed Feb. 3, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fm-J INVENTOR STERLING WEL ERFER ATTORN 5Y6 De'c. 2, 1947. s. w. ALDERFER SI ELVAGE LOOP FORMING MEANS FOR LOOMS.

Filed Feb. 3, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ETERL [N5 WHLDEH INVENTOR ATTO RN EYS 1947- s. w. ALDERFER 2,431,978

' v SELVAGE LOOP FORMING MEANS 'FOR LOOMS Filed Feb. 3, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR ETEHLING WHLDEEFER ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 2, 1947 SELV-AGE Loor FORMlNG MEANS ron LOOMS Sterling W. Alderfer, mm, Ohio Application February 3, 1945, Serial No. 575,964 11 Chain S. (Cl. lfi i s) The present invention relates to improvements in looms and while the invention is particularly valuable in combination with looms which operate upon the so-called card weaving principle, it may be adapted to other types of looms.

The invention is shown and described herein as incorporated in a loom of the type shown in the prior Patent No. 2,356,964 issued to this applicant on August 29, 1944, and as much of the operating mechanism is the same as that shown in the prior patent, the disclosure and drawings will be limited to such parts of the complete loom as are necessary to a full and complete under standing of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limitedto looms made in accordance with the prior patent.

In commercial operations conducted with the loom of the prior patent referred to,it has been found that in some cases the tension exerted upon the pick or filler thread which is laid through the several parallel warp cables will draw the cables together excessively and this will cause variations in the width of the tape and interfere with the production of an open tape. These results are more readily observable where the pick or filler thread is relatively heavy and somewhat inflexible. In weaving tape of certain plastic threads this action is particularly noticeable.

It is therefore one of the objects of the inven= tion to combine with the essential elements of a loom, a mechanism which will engage the pick thread as it is laid across the warp elements and prevent it from exerting a lateral crowding effect on the warp elements. In its preferred form. the invention consists in providing a pin at each side of the tape which will be projected into the path of the pick thread and around which the pick thread will be looped as the shuttle makes its return stroke. If loops are to be formed along both edges of the fabric, this operation requires two loop forming pins which are alternately raised and lowered on either side of the tape in position to form the loops in the pick thread.

It has also been found that the machine produces an improved tape which is characterized by the presence of projecting loops along the sides of the tape and this adds to the appearance of the finished product.

In the disclosure there is shown the invention in its best known and preferred form as it has been perfected for actual commercial use, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to exact conformity with the details as shown and described, but may be varied or modifried and improved without departure from the basic principles 'of the invention as covered in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a loom constructed in general accordance with the prior patent in which the improvements have been incorporated.

In this, as well as in the other views, only so much or the earlier loom construction is shown as is necessary-for afull and complete understanding of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the elements shown in Fig. 1 with one or the loop forming pins in raised position. M

Fig. 2a is a fragmentary view showing the pin in its lowered position. h

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section looking toward the weaving point.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view taken directly above the weaving p'oin't. v

v Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2. v

Referring to the drawings and 'to certain parts of the complete machine of the earlier patent, l represents the bed plate of a loo-m embodying the card weaving iincipl'e, on which is mounted the arched stanchion 2 in which the set of disks or cards are mounted. These cards are indicated by the numeral 4, and may be of any suitable number depending upon the number of cables which are to be incorporated in the finished tape or Webbing. In Fig. l six cards or disks are shown and therefore six cables constitute the Warp threads of the finished product.

Each card oi disk is provided with a plurality of holes 5 through which warp threads T are assed. In the form of the invention shown, four holes'are equan' spaced about each disk and located near the periphery thereof, each set of threads cohstituting a Single cable. The direction of twist in each cable isde'termi'ned by the direction of rotation of the Cards and by the manner in which the threads T are passed through the cards as explained in the earlier patent to which reference is made for this and other details oi the machine.

The disks are preferably provided with ear teeth which mesh with upper and lower toothed shafts 6, either or both of which may be driven. Set collars 1 which are adjustably mounted on the shaftshold the pihi'ons in their assembled position. The several threads T are twisted together by the rotation of the disks to form the cables which meet at the weaving point where a pick thread (or threads) P is laid through the several cables. The rotation of the disks is derived from a main driving shaft it), which also drives a take up and drawing roll ll through a pitman I2.

The laying of the pick thread is performed by a reciprocating shuttle indicated by the numeral is. This is a sector shaped member, the rear of which is formed with gear teeth l5 which are engaged alternately by the two pinions l8 on either side of the group of pick threads. The shuttle carries a spool 20 for the pick thread which passes out of the point or nose of the shuttle. A suitable drag or brake 2| bears against the rims of the spool and a loop is preferably I made in the pick thread as it passes from the spool, this loop being maintained under tension by the spring 22. Friction disks 23 also exert a certain degree of tension on the pick thread. It is necessary, as will be understood, to create an adequate tension on the pick thread in order that the pick may be properly laid, but, as has been explained, this necessary tension may crowd the several cables (or other warp elements) together during the weaving operation.

The alternating rotation of the pinions 8 to pass the shuttle back and forth through the successive sheds as they are formed by the cards, is performed by the rocking sector 3%] pivoted on the underside of the bed plate and meshing with pinions St on the lower ends of vertical shafts 32, the upper ends of which carry the pinions H8. The shuttle also carries a swinging beater 3 3 which, as described in the earlier patent, passes across the successive sheds as they are formed and aligns the pick thread as well as the cable twists across the finished tape.

The threads aLl converge at the weaving point where the pick is laid and the finished webbing or tape passes over a guide plate 35 and thence to the drawing roll previously described.

So far as the description has now gone the loom, which has been illustrated as suitable for use with the invention, is substantially as described in the earlier patent. To accomplish the new results set forth above the following mechanism has been added to and incorporated in the loom.

On the base of the loom, between the card tion of the shuttle by a sprocket and chain connection 42. The relation is such that as the shuttle completes its movement in one direction to lay the pick thread through the cables, a loop forming pin, to be described, rises through the plane of the weaving point or line so that when the shuttle makes its return stroke, the pick thread will be looped around the pin at the side of the tape. When the pick thread has been laid on the return stroke, the pin will withdraw and the pin on the opposite side of the tape will rise to form the loop on that side of the tape. In a. machine in which four threads constitute a cable, the shaft 3! will revolve at twice the speed of the disks so as to form loops at every reversal of the pick thread.

The pin to the right of Fig. 3, which is in the raised position which it retains until the pick thread is completely laid in one direction, is indicated by the numeral 44, while the pin to the left, which is to be raised before the shuttle makes its return stroke is indicated by the numeral 45. It will also be observed that the raised pin (4%) is advanced along the central plane of the tape with respect to the lowered pin (4c). These positions, or course, alternate, but the rearward positioning or the lowered pin is advisable in order to permit it to rise behind the pick thread. It wi-l also be observed, as shown more particularly in Fig. 4, that each pin in its lowered position is spaced somewhat from the edge of the tape, being drawn over against the edge of the tape by the tension exerted by the pick thread.

Each pin is clamped by a band 46 and set screws #1"! to the upper end of a vertical pivoted arm 48, the lower end of which is somewhat loosely pivoted at to the upper end of a pivoted bell crank lever 52 so as to allow the pin to move against the side of the tape as the loop is formed around the pin. These bell crank levers are pivotally mounted on a shaft 5 3 carried in the upper ends of the vertical arms 55 of a bracket 55 attached to the bed plate of the loom. Adjustable set collars 57 position the crank levers on the shaft 54. The location of the arms is determined by the width of the tape.

Secured to the bracket 56 between the two arms 38 is the vertical post 68, through the upper end of which is passed the shaft 6! which projects on either side of the post. The arms 48 rest against the shaft (it, being yieldingly held in that position by the springs. Secured to each arm Q8 is a cam plate 62, the edge of which is intended to ride over the shaft 6! as that arm rises to loop forming position. This action will move the pin forward with the advancing movement of the tape as that particular pin comes into play. As the arm lowers after the completion of the loop forming operation the arm moves backwardly re storing the pin to its retracted position. A coil spring 64 extends from each collar 16 to an arm 85 secured on a collar 65 attached to the shaft 6!. It will be noted that the arms are spaced some distance outwardly from the line of the tape so that the tendency of the springs is to move the pins to the rear and outwardly at the same time. This is shown in Fig. 4.

Each bell crank 52 is pivoted at its lower end to an adjustable link 63 which is connected to a strap 51 which surrounds an eccentric drum 88 carried on the shaft 'll. As shown in Fig. 5 the drums 68 are oppositely positioned on the shaft 4i so that the pins i i and 45 are alternately raised and lowered as the weaving proceeds. seen that the eccentric drums (58 are elongated so as to permit the pins to be adjusted to accom-.

several cables and the shuttle is about to make its return stroke. The pin id is about to start on its downward movement and the pin %5 to rise behind the pick thread. As the shuttle starts on its return movement the pin 45 will rise to the piane of the tape in position to intercept the pick thread which loops around it. As the loop is formed the operation of the cam 52 will move the pin forward in pace with the advancing fabric and at the same time the tension exerted by the pick thread will move it over against the edge of the tape. The pin is free to move forwardly with the advancing tape. As the pin now starts to lower the loop is drawn lightly around the tapering end of the pin, but the pin is not completely withdrawn until the pick thread is fully laid.

It will be- When the pin leaves the loop it will be drawn outwardly and rearwardly by the spring 64 and is ready for the next stroke. The two pins 44 V and 45 operate in alternation at each reciprocation of the pick laying shuttle. V I

It will be observed that While the description has been full and detailed, it is not intended that the invention shall be limited to conformity with these details. If, for example, loops are to be formed on only one edge of the fabric, one of the arms may be omitted or the pin removed. Again, one or more of the disks may be replaced by any standard sh ed forming device if a combination cable-weave and straight weave fabric is to be made. If merely a cable-edged fabric is to be produced, all of the disks except at the immediate edge Of the fabric may be replaced by ordinary heddles.

What is claimed is:

1. In a loom, means for forming successive sheds in a series of warp threads, a shuttle for laying a pick thread through the sheds, pins located below and at the sides of the warp threads, means for alternately raising the pins through the plane of the fabric as the pick thread is laid therein by the shuttle to form loops in the pick thread along the edges of the woven fabric said last named means operating to hold the pins in raised position until the shuttle has completed each pick laying movement.

2. In a loom, means for forming successive sheds in a series of warp threads, a shuttle for laying a pick thread through the sheds, vertically movable pins located below and at the sides of the warp threads, and means for alternately raising and lowering the pins through the plane of the fabric as the pick thread is laid therein by the shuttle, said pins in their raised position intercepting the pick thread to form loops therein along the edges of the fabric, and means for moving the pins forwardly with the fabric while in raised position.

3. In a loom, means for forming successive sheds in a series of warp threads, a shuttle for laying a pick thread through the sheds, vertically movable pins located below and at the sides of the warp threads, means for alternately raising and lowering the pins through the plane of the fabric as the pick thread is laid therein by the shuttle, said pins in their raised position intercepting the pick thread to form loops therein along the edges of the fabric, and means for moving the pins forwardly with the fabric while in raised position, said pins being free to move against the adjacent edges of the fabric by the tension on the pick thread.

4. In a loom of the character described, comprising a rotary disk having a plurality of holes therein to receive warp threads, a shuttle movable through the successive sheds formed by the rotation of said disk to lay a pick thread through the sheds, a pin located at one side of the warp threads and movable across the plane of the fabric to intercept the pick thread and form a loop therein When the movement of the shuttle is reversed, and means to move the pin in the direction of the forward movement of the warp threads while the pin is engaged by the pick thread.

5. In a loom of the character described, a plurality of parallel rotary disks, each disk having a plurality of holes therein to receive warp threads, a shuttle reciprocable through the successive sheds formed by the rotation of the disks to lay a pick thread between the warp threads, a vertically reciprocable arm, a pin located on the 6 armand movable thereby into and out of the plane of the fabric to intercept the pick thread and form a 1oop'therein at an edge of the fabfi, and means to move the arm with the fabric while the pin is engaged by the pick th'read.

6. In a loom of the character described, a plurality of parallel rotary disks, each disk having a plurality of holes therein to receive warp threads, a shuttle reciprocable through the successive sheds formed by the rotation of the disks to lay a pick thread between the warp threads, a vertical reciprocable arm at each side of the warp threads, a pin on each arm, and means to actuate said pins alternately into the path of the pick thread to form loops therein along the edges of the fabric, said arms being also movable laterally to bring the pins in contact with the edges of the fabric.

7. In a loom of the character described, a plurality of parallel rotary disks, each disk having a plurality of holes therein to receive warp threads, a shuttle reciprocable through the successive sheds formed by the rotation of the disks to lay a pick thread between the warp threads, a vertical reciprocable arm at each side of the warp threads, a pin on each arm, and means to actuate said pins alternately into the path of the pick thread to form loops therein along the edges of the fabric, said arms being also movable with the fabric while the pick thread engages the pins.

8. In a loom of the character described, a plurality of parallel rotary disks, each disk having a plurality of holes therein to receive warp threads, a shuttle reciprocable through the successive sheds formed by the rotation of the disks to lay a pick thread between the warp threads, a vertical reciprocable arm at each side of the warp threads, a pin on each arm, and means to actuate said pins alternately into the path of the pick thread to form loops therein along the edges of the fabric, said arms being movable laterally to bring the pins in contact with the edge of the fabric and movable in the direction of movement of the fabric while the pick thread engages the pins.

9. In a loom of the character described, a plurality of parallel rotary disks, each disk having a plurality of holes therein to receive warp threads, a shuttle reciprocable through the successive sheds formed by the rotation of the disks to lay a pick thread between the warp threads, a vertical reciprocable arm at each side of the warp threads, a pin on each arm, means to actuate said pins alternately into the path of the pick thread to form loops therein along the edges of the fabric, and cam means operative during the vertical movement of the arms to advance the arms in the direction of travel of the fabric while the pick thread engages the pins.

10. In a loom, means for forming successive sheds in a series of warps, a shuttle for laying a pick thread through the sheds, a pin located at each side of the warps, means for moving the pins alternately into the path of the pick thread at each throw of the shuttle and holding them in that position until the pick thread is laid at right angles across the shed and then withdrawing the pins to form open loops along the selvages 0f the fabric, and means for advancing each pin in the direction of movement of the fabric while it is in engagement with the pick thread.

11. In a loom, means for forming successive sheds in a series of warps, a shuttle for laying a. pick thread through the sheds, a pin located at each side of the warps, means for moving the pins alternately into the path of the pick thread at each throw of the shuttle and holding them in that position until the pick thread is laid at right angles across the shed and then withdrawing the pins to form open loops along the selvages of fabric, and cam means operative as the pins are moved into the path of the pick thread for advancing each pin in the direction of movement of the fabric while it is in engagement with the pick thread.

STERLING W. ALDERFER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number Name Date Morris May 6, 1890 Kuett July 10, 1900 Nauen Apr. 4, 1911 Alderfer Aug. 29, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Dec. 10, 1891 Germany June 21, 1926 France July 1, 1912 Germany July 23, 1932 Germany July 29, 1936 

